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Instant Pot Apple Cider 1

Instant Pot Apple Cider

This Instant Pot Apple Cider transforms what was once a day-long process into a quick, effortless delight that captures all the quintessential flavors of fall. The magic of pressure cooking concentrates the natural sweetness of apples while perfectly infusing warm spices, creating a drink that tastes like it's been simmering for hours.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Natural Release Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Beverages
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups
Calories 85 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Fine-Mesh Strainer
  • Potato Masher
  • Large Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 10 medium apples mixed varieties (Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith work wonderfully together)
  • 2 oranges quartered (with peels for extra aromatic oils)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp whole cloves
  • 1 tsp whole allspice berries
  • 1 whole nutmeg cracked (or ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg)
  • 1 inch fresh ginger sliced (optional but adds a warming kick)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or brown sugar adjust to taste
  • 8 cups filtered water
  • 1 vanilla bean split (optional for luxurious depth)

Instructions
 

  • Quarter the apples, removing the stems but keeping the peels and cores intact. The pectin in the cores adds natural body to your cider, while the peels contribute essential oils and color.
  • Add the quartered apples, orange pieces, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and sweetener to your Instant Pot. Pour in the water, making sure not to exceed the maximum fill line of your pressure cooker.
  • Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) and set to High Pressure for 20 minutes.
  • Once the cooking cycle completes, allow for a 15-minute natural pressure release. After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure.
  • Using a potato masher, gently press the softened fruits to release more flavor and juice. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl.
  • Return a portion of the strained cider to the Instant Pot on the Sauté function (Low). This is your opportunity to adjust sweetness and spice levels.
  • Serve your apple cider warm, or refrigerate for up to 7 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop overnight.

Notes

Substitution Notes:
  • No fresh oranges? Use 2 tablespoons of orange zest instead
  • For sugar-free version, substitute with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to taste
  • Star anise can replace allspice for a more complex licorice note
  • Ground spices work in a pinch, but whole spices create a clearer final product
Storing Tips:
  • Refrigerate cooled cider in airtight glass containers for up to 7 days
  • Freeze in ice cube trays for convenient single-serving portions that last up to 3 months
  • When reheating, add a fresh cinnamon stick to revive the spice notes
For crystal-clear cider, allow it to cool completely, then refrigerate overnight. The solids will settle, and you can carefully decant the clear liquid. Alternatively, strain through a coffee filter.

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.2gSodium: 8mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 18gVitamin C: 12mg
Keyword Apple Cider, Instant Pot, Fall Drinks, Homemade Cider, Pressure Cooker
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